Tag Archives: José Cárdenas

The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee announces its Board of Directors for Super Bowl XLIX. The board of directors is comprised of business leaders that volunteer their time to drive the state’s efforts for Super Bowl XLIX.

The Host Committee is a private, non-profit Arizona corporation. The mandate of the Host Committee is to galvanize local stakeholders in a united approach to hosting the largest single-day sporting event by maximizing positive media exposure, fueling the economic engine of Arizona and leaving a lasting legacy long after the excitement of the Big Game. The board was assembled in 2013 to begin planning and to garner local corporate support and sponsors.

● Mary Martuscelli, regional president for the private client reserve, U.S. Bank

● Andrew McCain, vice president and CFO, Hensley Beverage Company

● Patrick McGinley, vice president of property management, Vestar

● Steve Moore, president and CEO, Greater Phoenix CVB

● Jodi Noble, partner, Deloitte

● Jay Parry, president and CEO, Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee

● Earl Petznick Jr., president and CEO, Northside Hay Company

● Ken Van Winkle, managing partner, Lewis Roca Rothgerber LLP

● KJ Wagner, president and CEO, Willis of Arizona, Inc.

● David Watson, co-founder and managing partner, mybody and president and managing partner, Revolution Tea

● John Zidich, CEO, Republic Media Publisher, The Arizona Republic

“We have an impressive group of business leaders working together to meet the fundraising goals for Super Bowl XLIX and to maximize the opportunity to build the Arizona brand in this unparalleled global spotlight,” said David Rousseau, Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee chairman. “We want to promote Arizona as an ideal destination for businesses and tourists well beyond Super Bowl XLIX.”

Super Bowl XLIX is scheduled to be played at University Of Phoenix Stadium on February 1, 2015, marking Arizona’s second Super Bowl in seven years. In Super Bowl XLII at University of Phoenix Stadium on February 3, 2008, The New York Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14. Arizona’s first big game, Super Bowl XXX, was held at Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium in 1996, with the Dallas Cowboys beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17.

Benito AlmanzaArizona presidentBank of America Born into a family of migrant workers, Almanza is now responsible for all lines of business efforts, community and civic activities in the state. The graduate of Stanford University and the University of Santa Clara has been with Bank of America for 30 years, working in California before moving to Arizona in 1992.His hope for his professional legacy: “Hiring top talent and developing them to replace me someday.”Surprising fact: “Growing up working with my family in the fields helped me better understand agribusiness banking.”

Marty AlvarezCEO, principal in chargeSun Eagle Corporation Alvarez is founder of family-owned and operated Sun Eagle, one of the top minority-owned general contracting and construction management firms in the country. He has been a chair and officer for the Associated Minority Contractors of America since 1993.His hope for his professional legacy: “That our well-constructed buildings improved the landscape, and our assistance to individuals and families improved lives.”Surprising fact: “I have been involved with Shotokan Karate continuously for the past 39 years.”

Victor M. ArandaArea president, Northern ArizonaWells Fargo Arizona Aranda manages six Wells Fargo Community Banking markets; Northeast Arizona, Central Arizona, White Mountains, North Phoenix, North Scottsdale and Scottsdale. He is responsible for 816 team members, 69 banking stores, and $4.1 billion in deposits. A 25-year financial services veteran, Aranda presently serves as a board member for Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Valley Leadership Arizona.His hope for his professional legacy: “My passion in life is to add value to those I come in contact with. What I would like to be remembered for is how I spent my life serving, helping and developing the leaders of tomorrow.”Surprising fact: “I was involved and directed a church Spanish choir and I have also sang in Las Vegas at the Bellagio Hotel.”

Tony AstorgaRetired CFOBlue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Astorga recently retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona where he served as the Senior Vice President, CFO & CBDO since 1988. He currently serves as chairman of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation and is a member of the board of directors for the Arizona Community Foundation, AZHCC, ASU Foundation, CSA General Insurance Agency, Phoenix Art Museum, and US Bank Arizona.His hope for his professional legacy: “I would like to be remembered in my profession as a CPA and CFO for being a good mentor and for helping develop my staff in their work ethic and level of growth.”Surprising fact: “I have a sweet tooth for twinkies or that my favorite movie is ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’, I still laugh when I think about the movie”.

Miguel BravoSenior community development consultant Arizona Public Service Company Bravo is responsible for directing community development initiatives statewide to help serve diverse markets for APS. He also collaborates with economic development organizations to attract industry to Arizona. Bravo also serves the boards of Friendly House, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Latino Center at Morrison Institute, Boys Hope Girls Hope and Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates.His hope for his professional legacy: “For conducting business with integrity, purpose, passion; and for having a conviction for public service.”Surprising fact: “I became a US Citizen in 2007. Having grown up in Arizona, this was one of my proudest moments.”

José CárdenasSenior vice president and general counselArizona State University Before joining ASU in 2009, Cárdenas was chairman at Lewis & Roca, where he became the first Hispanic to serve as managing partner of a major law firm in Arizona. A Stanford Law School graduate, Cárdenas has served on many boards and commissions and has received various awards.His hope for his professional legacy: “As a good lawyer who served his clients and community well with the utmost integrity.”Surprising fact: Cárdenas was involved with death penalty cases for more than 30 years.

America Corrales-Bortin Co-founderAmerica’s Taco Shop Corrales-Bortin grew up Culiacán in Sinaloa, Mexico, watching her mother prepare the dishes that would become the recipes for success at America’s Taco Shop. Founded in 2008, America’s authentic carne asada and al pastor quickly built a following that has led to rapid expansion and a partnership Kahala, a franchise development company. So far in 2013, America’s has already moved into California, Texas and Maryland.Her hope for her professional legacy: “As someone who has a passion for the food we serve at America’s Taco Shop.”Surprising fact: “People would be surprised that I am named after a famous soccer team in Mexico.”

Gonzalo de la Melena Jr.President and CEOArizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce In addition to leading the Hispanic Chamber, de la Melena Jr. operates the Phoenix Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), the state’s leading advocate representing more than 100,000 minority business enterprises. De la Melena is also the Founder of edmVentures, LLC a small business investment company with holdings in Phoenix airport concessions at Sky Harbor International.His hope for his professional legacy: “Helping small businesses succeed.”Surprising fact: “I had the opportunity to do business in more than 30 countries before the age of 30.”

Robert EspirituAcquisition marketingAmerican Express Espiritu’s diversified professional experience includes working for small business enterprises as well as corporate 100 businesses in the areas of sales, marketing and financial management. He has also been actively involved with various nonprofit organizations; most recently as the former chairman of the board for the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.His hope for his professional legacy: “Innovative and focused leader who delivers with energy and is known for building successful relationships and high performing teams.”Surprising fact: “As a first generation American, I am passionate about helping aspiring and under-privileged youth achieve their dreams and advocating for Hispanic career advancement, education and scholarships.”

Dr. Maria Harper-Marinick Executive vice chancellor and provostMaricopa Community Colleges Harper-Marinick oversees all areas of academic and student affairs, workforce development, and strategic planning. She serves on several national and local boards including ABEC and AMEPAC, which she chairs. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Harper-Marinick came to ASU as a Fulbright Scholar.Her hope for her professional legacy: “Passion for, and unwavering commitment to, public education as the foundation of a democratic society.”Surprising fact: “The joy I get from driving fast cars.”

Julio HerreraNational Spanish Sales and Retention DirectorCox Communications Herrera and his team work across markets and cross-functional departments to drive Spanish language sales and grow Cox’s Hispanic markets nationally. He also helped establish LIDER, a leadership program tailored for Hispanic team members looking for advancement opportunities in Phoenix and Southern Arizona.His hope for his professional legacy: “Growing and improving the Hispanic customer experience and making a difference our communities.”Surprising fact: “Spanish was my first language and I started my career in sales leadership at 18 ears old.”

Lori HigueraDirectorFennemore Craig Higuera defends, provides counsel and trains employers of all sizes. She’s a Southwest Super Lawyer, an employment law expert for the Arizona Republic/Arizona Business Gazette and is a recent recipient of the High-Level Business Spanish Diploma from the Madrid Chamber of Commerce.Her hope for her professional legacy: “A skilled lawyer who elevated the practice by integrating the diverse perspectives of our community.”Surprising fact: “I was fired from my first job as a Santa’s helper for being too social!”

Ana María López, MD, MPH, FACPAssociate dean, outreach and multicultural affairsProfessor of medicine (Tenured) and pathology, College of MedicineMedical director, Arizona Telemedicine ProgramUniversity of Arizona López has a passion for addressing health inequities and human suffering. From clinical research with molecular targets to health services research, her work focuses on optimizing the health of individuals and communities.Her hope for her professional legacy: “Life is an opportunity to contribute. I hope to contribute, to make a difference.”Surprising fact: “I love simple pleasures. Witnessing the daily miracle of the sun rising sustains me.”

Paul LunaPresident and CEOHelios Education Foundation Luna leads Helios Education Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals in Arizona and Florida to succeed in postsecondary education. He is the former president of Valley of the Sun United Way and has held positions with Pepsi, IBM and the Office of Governor Bruce Babbitt.His hope for his professional legacy: “That I cared about our community and helped make it better.”Surprising fact: “I’m seriously considering getting matching tattoos with my kids in the near future.”

Steve MaciasPresident and CEOPivot Manufacturing Macias is a co-owner of Pivot Manufacturing, a Phoenix machine shop, chairs the Arizona Manufacturers Council, and is on the boards of the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Arizona Hispanic Chamber. He is an active proponent of manufacturing in Arizona and a proud father of three boys.His hope for his professional legacy: “Contributed in some small way to the sustainment of manufacturing in Arizona.”Surprising fact: “In high school, I was the school mascot – a Bronco.”

Mario Martinez IICEO360 Vantage Martinez is responsible for the overall vision, strategy and execution of 360 Vantage, a leader in cloud-based sales and marketing technology solutions designed to solve the unique challenges of the mobile workforce in life sciences, healthcare and other industries.His hope for his professional legacy: “I would most like to be remembered for truly changing the lives of our clients, employees and our community in great and meaningful ways.”Surprising fact: “I hosted a radio show during my college years.”

Clarence McCallisterCEOFortis Networks, Inc. McAllister was born in Panama and earned his master’s in electrical engineering from ASU. In 2000, he and his wife started Fortis Networks, Inc., a certified 8a and HUBzone government contractor specializing in engineering, construction and technology services.His hope for his professional legacy: “Building a world-class organization that always exceeds our customers’ expectations.”Surprising fact: “I did an emergency landing on a City of Mesa street.”

Rodolfo Parga, Jr.Managing shareholderRyley Carlock & Applewhite In addition to managing a law firm with 120 attorneys, Parga has been to Best Lawyers in America for the last four years. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Chicanos Por la Causa, a leading non-profit helping advance and create economic and educational opportunities.His hope for his professional legacy: “I want to be remembered as always trying to do the right thing and having led with integrity.”Surprising fact: “I was bullied until age 11, which drove me not only to strengthen my body, but my resolve.”

Hector PeñuñuriSenior planning analyst SRP Peñuñuri is an Arizona native and has spent most of the past 15 years in the Customer Services Division at SRP. He has served on several boards including the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and LISC. He was raised in the West Valley, and currently resides in Gilbert.His hope for his professional legacy: “A trusted and valuable team member/leader; a communicator who understands the importance of sharing knowledge to help others.”Surprising fact: “I’m a jack of all trades – woodworker, photographer, musician, outdoorsman and a decent cook when I put my mind to it.”

Dan PuenteOwnerD.P. Electric Puente founded D.P. Electric in 1990 out of his garage with one truck. D.P. Electric now has more than 200 employees and generated more than $30 million in revenue in 2012, making it the biggest Hispanic-owned company in Arizona.His hope for his professional legacy: “A guy that is fair, honest, hard-working and gives back both personally and professionally.”Surprising fact: “Professionally, that I do not have a college degree and personally, that I am a Bikram Yoga junkie.”

Marie TorresFounderMRM Construction Services Torres is an Arizona native and built her business in the community that she grew up in. With more than 30 years experience in the construction field, she started MRM in 2002 and currently has more than 50 employees. The focus of her company has been in government contracting and has self performed airfield work at Luke AFB, MCAS Yuma and Davis Monthan.Her hope for her professional legacy: “As being technically competent.”Surprising fact: “I don’t like to drive and I am happy as a passenger – even in my own car.”

Lisa UriasPresident and CEOUrias Communications After 15 years in international marketing and communications, Urias founded Urias Communications to address the need for advertising and PR with a uniquely multicultural focus. Now an award-winning advertising, and PR agency, Urias Communications specializes in the multicultural markets of the U.S. Southwest, with concentration on the burgeoning Hispanic market.Her hope for her professional legacy: “Bridging the divide between corporations and the growing Hispanic community for mutual benefit and respect.”Surprising fact: “I am a fourth-generation Arizonan whose grandfather was the first Hispanic city councilman.”

Dawn C. ValdiviaPartner, chair of the Labor & Employment Practice Group Quarles & Brady Valdivia is the chair of Quarles & Brady’s Labor and Employment Group in Phoenix. She regularly advises clients in all matters of labor and employment law and is skilled in complex litigation matters, including wage and hour class action litigation in Arizona and California.Her hope for her professional legacy: “A creative problem solver, committed to her clients and to giving back to the community.”Surprising fact: “I love adventure — sky diving, gliding, scuba diving, helicopters, etc.”

Lorena ValenciaCEOReliance Wire Valencia is the founder and CEO of Reliance Wire Systems, a wire and tubing manufacturing company she founded in 2000. She is also the founder and president of Magin Corporation — an eco-friendly wood pallet alternative company — and the FRDM Foundation.Her hope for her professional legacy: “Empowering children by building schools and libraries in impoverished countries through my FRDM Foundation.”Surprising fact: “I put hot peppers on almost everything I eat. The hotter. the better.”

Roberto YañezVice president and GMUnivision Arizona Yañez is a 27-year broadcast television veteran, who has served 17 of those years with the Univision Television Group (UTG). Yañez has created various opportunities that helped build the station’s relationship with the community: Cadena de Gente Buena, El 34 Esta Aqui and Ya Es Hora.His hope for his professional legacy: “Someone who used his craft to build bridges between the problem and the solution.”Surprising fact: “Though Monday through Friday you will never see me without a suit and tie, I am most comfortable in boots, jeans and driving a pick-up truck.”